Strong to the finish: More than 1,000 racers Run for the Dream

Published: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 2:54 p.m.

DELAND - Friends, runners and their cheering sections gathered chilly last Saturday morning to participate in Me Strong's Linda's Run for the Dream 5K.

This was the second year for the event, a fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization whose mission is to "support the friends, family and individuals fighting cancer through the power of friendship," according to MeStrong.net.

The race is the flagship event of Me Strong, a DeLand-based charity created when Linda Ryan of DeLand had her third cancer diagnosis. Ryan and her "dream team" of friends created the 5K to show that "Everyone can commit to a healthy lifestyle." Last year, the race attracted 900 participants, an almost unheard of number for an inaugural 5K; this year's race drew 1,142 participants, according to race organizers. Last year's race, plus other fundraising events, helped Me Strong distribute more than $12,000 last year, Ryan said. Organizations helped by Me Strong include MD Anderson Cancer Center and Parker's Pals, another DeLand-based cancer-support not-for-profit, Ryan added.

PJ Walker of DeLand is one of the individuals that Me Strong helped last year. Walker, a breast cancer survivor who is still going through chemotherapy, crossed the finish line arm-in-arm with her friends. Team PJ was organized by her sister-in-law Cathy Irza Walker.

In addition to Team PJ, Ryan said that at least four other teams were in force to honor their loved one: Team Charlie, recognized by their custom blue T-shirts, was racing for Charles Lundell, a Pine Ridge High School teacher who is battling tonsil cancer and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, Ryan said.

Team Paunny, named in honor of the late Paunny Brandt, was the mother of Ryan's close friend Mary Jo Thompson. Mary Jo's friends decorated Paunny's house, which was along the race route, to honor her memory.

Team Ginger, Ryan said, was also there to honor Ginger Mark, who is currently battling breast cancer; Members of Team Dawn walked and ran the race in support of Dawn Sharpe, who is also battling breast cancer.

Members of Stetson's Sand Volleyball team also had special shirts made with the initials of team member Katie DiGiroiamo's father who died last May from lymphoma.

"I would say it's fair to say that hundreds were there to run in honor or memory of someone," Ryan said.

Andrew Epifano, 20, of DeLand, was the first male to cross the finish line, with a time of 17:01. Bego Lopez, 44, also of DeLand, was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 19:55.

<p>DELAND - Friends, runners and their cheering sections gathered chilly last Saturday morning to participate in Me Strong's Linda's Run for the Dream 5K. </p><p>This was the second year for the event, a fundraiser for the not-for-profit organization whose mission is to "support the friends, family and individuals fighting cancer through the power of friendship," according to MeStrong.net. </p><p>The race is the flagship event of Me Strong, a DeLand-based charity created when Linda Ryan of DeLand had her third cancer diagnosis. Ryan and her "dream team" of friends created the 5K to show that "Everyone can commit to a healthy lifestyle." Last year, the race attracted 900 participants, an almost unheard of number for an inaugural 5K; this year's race drew 1,142 participants, according to race organizers. Last year's race, plus other fundraising events, helped Me Strong distribute more than $12,000 last year, Ryan said. Organizations helped by Me Strong include MD Anderson Cancer Center and Parker's Pals, another DeLand-based cancer-support not-for-profit, Ryan added. </p><p>PJ Walker of DeLand is one of the individuals that Me Strong helped last year. Walker, a breast cancer survivor who is still going through chemotherapy, crossed the finish line arm-in-arm with her friends. Team PJ was organized by her sister-in-law Cathy Irza Walker. </p><p>In addition to Team PJ, Ryan said that at least four other teams were in force to honor their loved one: Team Charlie, recognized by their custom blue T-shirts, was racing for Charles Lundell, a Pine Ridge High School teacher who is battling tonsil cancer and invasive squamous cell carcinoma, Ryan said. </p><p>Team Paunny, named in honor of the late Paunny Brandt, was the mother of Ryan's close friend Mary Jo Thompson. Mary Jo's friends decorated Paunny's house, which was along the race route, to honor her memory. </p><p>Team Ginger, Ryan said, was also there to honor Ginger Mark, who is currently battling breast cancer; Members of Team Dawn walked and ran the race in support of Dawn Sharpe, who is also battling breast cancer. </p><p>Members of Stetson's Sand Volleyball team also had special shirts made with the initials of team member Katie DiGiroiamo's father who died last May from lymphoma. </p><p>"I would say it's fair to say that hundreds were there to run in honor or memory of someone," Ryan said. </p><p>Andrew Epifano, 20, of DeLand, was the first male to cross the finish line, with a time of 17:01. Bego Lopez, 44, also of DeLand, was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 19:55.</p>